Apparatus for forming building block insulating members



J. T. GONDEK Nov. 11, 1952 APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUILDING BLOCK INSULATING MEMBERS 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 15, 1949 J. T. GONDEK Nov. 11, 1952 APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUILDING BLOCK INSULATING MEMBERS 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct.- l5, 1949 159/222 7. Gondek Nov. 11, 1952 J, GQNDEK 2,617,095.

APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUILDING BLOCK INSULATING MEMBERS v Filed Oct. 15, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 awua/wtm John 7 Gqndek ATTY J. T. GONDEK Nov. 11, 1952 APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUILDING BLOCK INSULATING MEMBERS Filed. Oct. 15, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 m 5 W H W 3 5 7 7 7 v. 4 I 2 j M x Z 1 I 3 F 1 4 m mm 0 0 4 3 w 9 a, 7 I 6 8 1 67 if I i m 0 H. I O0 600W z 0 7 g H 1 1 I 3 ci 2 mzw \3 I 0 2 0 m f 1 a m w y w I j 1 I 7 a 6 v 7 0 a John 7. Gondek NOV. 11, 1952 T GQNDEK 2,617,095

' APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUILDING BLOCK INSULATING MEMBERS Filed Oct. 15. 1949 9 Sheegs-Sheet 5 133 g.. I} I III - aiflzza 135 1.34 T 9 136k INVENTOR \106 John 7. Gonde/r ATTORNEY Nov. 11, 1952 J. 'r. GONDEK 2,617,095

APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUILDING BLOCK INSULATING MEMBERS Filed Oct. 15, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 I: I: I

Jail/I INVENTOR-v John 7? Go'ndek ATTORNEY Nov. 11, 1952 J. 'r. GONDEK ,095

APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUILDING BLOCK INSULATING MEMBERS Filed Oct. 15, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 ZQZ John Gondq/r ATTY.

NOV. 11, 1952 J GQNDEK 2,617,095

APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUILDING BLOCK INSULATINGMEMBERS Filed Oct. 15. 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 .Z 0 f/l7 4 grwwvbcvb John 7. Gonacak ATTY.

NOV. 11, 1952 J GONDEK 2,617,095

APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUILDING BLOCK INSULATING MEMBERS Filed Oct. 15, 1949 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR John 7. Gbn ole/r Patented Nov. 11, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR FORMING BUILDING BLOCK INSULATING MEMBERS My invention relates to an improvement in apparatus for forming building block insulating members and deals particularly with a device for inserting wire rods through an insulating panel and crimping the rods.

The formation of building blocks having an insulating panel sandwiched between opposite walls thereof has been described in a previous application to H. R. Tregilgas, Serial No. 705,454, filed October 24, 1946. Certain of these blocks are formed with a center insulating panel having a series of spaced wire rods extending therethrough. The ends of these wire rods are bent in such a way as to anchor the rod ends in the material forming the block. The wire rods thus act to connect the portions of the block on opposite sides of the insulating panel and to reinforce the block. The present invention deals with a device for inserting rods through the insulating panel and bending the ends of the rods so that they may be firmly anchored in the block.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a means for supporting a supply of insulating panels and a supply of wire to be inserted therethrough. Means are provided for moving the insulating panels and for inserting wire through the panels at spaced points as the same are advanced.

The panels are moved in a series of steps and wire rods are inserted through the panel between successive steps of the movement. As a result a series of wire rods are inserted through each panel in spaced relation.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a means for crimping the wire on opposite sides of the panel after it has been inserted through the panel. Thus the wire may be inserted through the panel in straight form and the off-set ends of the wire may be produced after the wires have been inserted.

A further feature of the present invention lies in the provision of an apparatus which is operated by hydraulic mechanism throughout. As a result fluid under pressure may actuate all parts of the apparatus in a simple manner and at a relatively low cost.

Another feature of the present invention lies in the provision of an apparatus which is completely automatic in operation. My device acts to remove panels individually from a stack of panels and to advance them in single file past the wire piercing apparatus and the wire crimping apparatus. The wires are inserted automatically in spaced relation and the device continues to function as long as .the finished panels are taken from the machine.

These and other objects and novel features of my invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the followin specification and claims.

In the drawings forming a part of the specification:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the apparatus in operation showing the construction thereof.

Figure 2 is an enlarged elevation view of a detailed portion of the apparatus.

Figure 3 is an end elevation view of the wire inserting portion of the device.

Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the device shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a sectional view through a portion of the wire inserting device illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 6 is a, transverse sectional view through the wire inserting device showing the construction thereof.

Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the wire inserting device showing the apparatus in one extreme position.

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing the apparatus in its other extreme position.

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing the apparatus in its other extreme. position.

Figure 10 is a, sectional view through the wire inserting and cutting elements.

Figure 11 is a bottom plan view of the wire die illustrated in Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the formed structure showing the insulation board in completed form.

Figure 13 is a cross sectional view through the A wire clamping device showing the construction thereof.

Figure 14 is a side elevation view of the wire clamping device.

Figure 15 is an elevation view of one .of the Figure 19 is a plan view of the clamping die.il-

lustrated in Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic view showing the hydraulic system used in operation of the apparatus.

Figure 21 isa sectional View through one of the controls shown in the system of Figure 20.

Figure 22 is an elevation view of one of the controls shown in Figure 20.

Figure 23 is an outside view showing the opposite end of the control shown in Figure 22.

Figure 24 is a diagrammatic sectional view through the control illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, an indication of the section line being given by the line 2424 of Figure 22.

The apparatus A is best illustrated in general in Figure 1 of the drawings. As indicated in this figure the apparatus includes a base If! designed to rest upon a floor or other support and upon which the remainder of the apparatus is mounted. A pair of spaced angular tracks H are supported on a horizontal plane above the base |0. Leg units such as l2 and |3 are mounted upon the base H] by any suitable means and the tracks II are connected to the leg units by bolts or cap screws M or other suitable means.

A hopper |5 acts to support a supply of insulating panels B. The hopper l5 includes a pair of spaced end walls l5 and H which are held in spaced relationship by spacing bolts H! or other suitable means. A side panel 25 preferably connects the end panels 16 and H along one side edge thereof so as to form a guide for the panels B. One side of the hopper may be left open as indicated in Figure 1 of the drawings so that the panels B are visible from one side of the apparatus and may be inserted into the hopper through this open side.

A pivoted lever 2| having a hook shaped lower end 22 is pivotally connected at 23 to an end wall H of the hopper 15. The hook end 22 is designed to extend beneath one end of the lowermost panel B in the hopper so as to support this lowermost panel in elevated position. The lever 2| is provided with a lateral extension 24 by means of which the lever may be pivoted. A hydraulic apparatus 25 which will be later described in detail is mounted upon the end wall I! and may be actuated to pivot the lever 2|. When pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction the hook end 22 moves from beneath the lowermost panel in the hopper and allows this lowermost panel to drop onto the tracks II. when the lever 2| pivots in a clockwise direction upon return movement of the hydraulic apparatus 25, the extremity of the hook shaped end 22 pushes the lowermost panel B slightly to the left as viewed in Figure 1 so that the hook shaped end 22 may support the next adjacent panel B.

A panel feeding element 25 is provided beneath the tracks II for engaging the panels and advancing them to the left as viewed in Figure i. This feeding mechanism includes a platform 2! supported at opposite ends by leaf springs '29 and 30. The leaf springs are connected at their upper ends by bolts or suitable means 3| to the ends of the platform 21. Brackets 32 connect the lower ends of the springs 29 and 30 to the base H1. The leaf springs are arranged in generally parallel relationship so that the platform 2'! may advance in a generally horizontal direction.

A hydraulic cylinder 33 is pivotally supported at 34 to a bracket 35 or yoke depending downwardly from the platform 21. The cylinder 33 contains a piston 36 connected to 'one end of a piston rod 31. The piston rod 31 is pivotally connected at 39 to a suitableyoke 45 on the leg unit l3. Fluid may enter one end of the cylinder 33 so as to move the cylinder relative to the piston 35. Thus by proper intermittent application of fiuid into the cylinder 33 the plat- 4 form 21 may be reciprocated beneath the hopper I5.

As best illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings a series of spaced lugs 4|, 42, 43, and 44 are mounted upon the platform 27 in longitudinally spaced relationship. Dogs or pawls are pivotally supported on each of these lugs. A pawl 45 is pivotally supported at 46 on the lu 4|. This pawl is urged in one extreme position by a spring 41. A second pawl 45 is pivotally connected at 5|] to the lug 42. This pawl 49 is urged in a counter-clockwise direction by a spring 5|. A third pawl 52 is pivotally connected at 53 to the lug 43. This pawl 52 is urged in a counterclockwise direction by a spring 54. A fourth pawl 55 is pivotally connected at 56 to the lug 44. The pawl 55 is urged in a counterclockwise direction by a spring 57.

The springs 41, 5|, 54 and 57 are arranged to urge the operating ends of the pawls upwardly. The springs are of proper strength to urge the pawls upwardly when they are not in engagement with an insulating panel B. However, these "springs are not of sufficient strength to cause the operating ends of the pawls to dig into the insulation panels when a panel is above the pawl.

The pawl is provided with an operating end 59 designed to engage against the rear edge of a panel B to move the panel in unison with the platform 21. The pawls 49, 52 and 55 are provided with similar operating ends 65, 5| and 62. As the platform 21 reciprocates successive pawls engage the rear edge of the panel to advance the panel to a diiferent position. The purpose of this arrangement will be later described.

The cylinder 33 is of proper length to move the platform 27 a distance slightly greater than the distance between the operating ends of the various pawls. When the panel B is in its first position below the hopper I5, the rear edge of the panel is first engaged by the pawl 45 and advanced a distance slightly greater than the distance between successive pawls. The platform 27 then reciprocates in the opposite direction by springs 29 and 3D, the pawls 49, 52 and 55 sliding beneath the panel until the operating end of the pawl 49 clears the rear edge of the panel being advanced. Upon reciprocation of the platform 21 to the left as viewed in Figures 1 and 2, the panel B is then reciprocated by the pawl 49 to a distance of somewhat more than the space between adjacent pawls. Upon return reciprocation of the platform to the right, the pawls 52 and slide beneath the panel B until the operating end 6| of the pawl 52 clears the rear edge of the panel. During the next reciprocation of the platform 27 the panel B is further advanced a distance slightly greater than the distance between the pawls. Upon return reciprocation of the platform toward the right, the pawl 55 slides beneath the panel until the operating end 62 thereof clears the rear edge of the panel. During the next reciprocation of the platform 21 the panel B engaged is moved from beneath the hopper Hi.

It will be seen that the rear edge of the lowermost panel B in the hopper I5 is supported by the hook end 22 of the lever 2| while the forward end of this panel rests upon and is supported by the panel being moved. Upon movement of the fed panel from beneath the hopper the forward edge of the lowermost panel in the hopper drops downwardly onto the tracks ll. At approximately this point of-operation the lever 2I is actuated by the hydraulic mechanism 25 to release the rear edge of this lowermost panel. The lever 2| engages the next above panel to support the same after the panel moves to its next position by means of the dog 45.

The tracks II guide the panels B beneath the wire rod inserting apparatus indicated in general by the numeral 63. This device takes wire from a suitable source of supply not illustrated in the drawings, but shown as entering from the left of the machine over a guide roller 64. The wire 65 passes beneath a plurality of wire straightening rollers 66 mounted on each side of the device in staggered relation. One wire 65 is supplied to each side of the wire inserting device 63 so that two wire rods may be simultaneously inserted into the panel B.

As indicated in Figures 3, 4, 6, and 9 of the drawings the wires 65 extend between rollers 61 and 69 mounted upon parallel shafts I and II respectively. The rollers 61 are mounted upon the shaft I0 which also supports a gear I2. The shaft II supporting the rollers 69 also supports a gear I3 which is in mesh with the gear I2. As a result the rollers 67 and 69 rotate in opposite rotative directions in unison. The rollers are grooved as indicated at I4 and I5 respectively 50 that the wire is driven downwardly by these rollers. The shaft I I is supported by a pair of rubber bushings 68. In normal position, the shafts 7i] and II support the rollers 51 and 69 spaced apart a distance slightly less than the diameter of the wire being driven. Since the shaft 'II is resiliently supported, the rollers clamp the wire resiliently therebetween. The resilient bushings 88 also compensate for wire irregularities.

As best indicated in Figure 5 of the drawings the shaft I0 is provided with a disc I6 pinned thereto for rotation therewith. A ratchet wheel I7 is rotatably supported upon the shaft 70 adjacent to the disc 16-. A pinion I9 is connected to the ratchet wheel I1 to rotate in unison with this ratchet wheel. Ratchets or pawls 80 are pivotally supported at 8| to the disc I6. These ratchets 80 are urged against the ratchet wheel I! by springs 82 interposed between the ratchets and fixed lugs 83 on the disc I6.

A cylinder 85 is arranged on a vertical axis within the housing 85 forming a part of the wire inserting apparatus 63. A piston 86 is reciprocable vertically within the cylinder 84. A rack 81 is connected to the piston 86 to reciprocate therewith. The rack teeth 89 are in mesh with the pinion 19 so that vertical reciprocation of the rack and piston rotates the pinion l9 and the ratchet wheel 17 connected thereto. A bearing support 90 engages the rear surface of the rack 81 opposite the point of engagement with the pinion I9 so as to reinforce the rack and prevent cocking of the piston 86.

A the rack 8'! moves downwardly the pinion I9 and ratchet wheel 11 are rotated in a clockwise direction about the shaft IO. The ratchet wheel II engages one of the ratchets 80 so as to cause simultaneous rotation of the disc I6 in a clockwise direction. The ratchets 80 may be spaced so that only one of the ratchets engages th ratchet wheel at any time so as to decrease the lost motion as the ratchet gear is rotated.

Rotation of the disc I6 causes simultaneous rotation of the shaft in a clockwise direction and rotation of the shaft II in a counter-clockwise direction. As the wire 65 is gripped between the rollers 61 and 69 supported by. .these shafts, the

wire is driven downwardly'by the rollers during this downward movement of the piston 86.

When the piston 86 moves into its downward extreme position the downward movement of the piston is stopped and the piston is reciprocated upwardly. Upward movement of the rack 81 acts to rotate the pinion i9 and ratchet wheel I! in a counter-clockwise direction. During this upward reciprocation the disc of the ratchet wheel does not engage the ratchets 80, the operating ends of the ratchets merely riding over the ratchet wheel teeth. Thus during upward reciprocation of the piston 86 the rollers 61 and 69 remain stationary.

A wire guide and die is supported on each side of the wire insert apparatus 63 and is indicated in general by the numeral 9i. This guide BI is illustrated in section in Figure 10 of the drawings. The guide 9! includes a lateral projection 92 on the housing having a vertical passage 93 therethrough. A hardened sleeve 96 having a pointed upper end 95 extends through this projection 92. The sleeve 95 is provided with an aperture 96 therethrough for accommodation of the wire 65. A disc 91 is mounted on the lower end of the projection 92. This disc is provided with a central aperture 95 therethrough which is aligned with the aperture 96 of the sleeve 94. Flat head screws Iilii or other suitable means support this disc or die 91 in place. The disc is provided with a downward central projection MI encircling the aperture 99 and extending into close proximity with the cooperable portion of the mechanism.

The wire inserting apparatus is formed of two main portions, one of which is fixedly secured relative to the tracks II and the other part of which is laterally movable so as to shear off the wire rod when it has been inserted a suitable distance. Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings show the bottom views of this portion of the apparatus when the structure is in both extreme positions. The fixed portion of the apparatus includes a. pair of spaced supporting legs I02 and I03 with .a connecting frame IM extending therebetween. This connecting frame includes a pair of vertically extending guide blocks I95 and I636 which are integral with or secured to the connecting frame member i8 3. These guide blocks H35 and I96 are provided with vertically extending grooves l0! and I09 respectively.

Th fixed lower section of the wire inserting apparatus which may be indicated in general by the numeral III] also includes a pair of vertically spaced transversely extending shafts I I I and I I2. These shafts I l I and I I2 are mounted in upwardly extending side walls I08 on the supporting legs I02 and I93. The position of these shafts is best indicated in Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings. As the shafts are superimposed only one of the shafts is visible in the bottom plan views of Figures 7 and 8.

The upper movable portion of the wire inserting apparatus is indicated in general by the numeral H3 and comprises the major portion of the wire inserting apparatus. This movable portion includes the housing 85 which incorporates the cylinder 84 and the box-like enclosure II which encloses the gears 72 and 73, the pinion 19 and ratchet wheel 5'! as well as the disc 76 and its ratchet fill. The upper portion is formed in two main parts, the uppermost of which includes the cylinder 84 and the box-like enclosure H4. The lower portion of the movable section II3 includes the bottom closure plate 1.15 securedto the-lower edge .of the enclosure I4. A central box is provided extending downwardly from the closure plate H as shown in'Figure 5 for accommodation of therack 87 in lowermost position thereof. The closure plate H5 is also provided with a pair of downwardly extending bearings H5 and ill which encircle the shafts [H and H2 and slidably support the upper portion of the wire inserting mechanism relative to the lower portion thereof. The bearings HE and H1 encircle both shafts HI and H2 so as to hold the two parts of the device from relative rotation.

The closure plate H5 is also provided with a downwardly extending portion H9 which is hollow in form and includes a horizontal cylinder I29. An end closure plate 521 encloses one end of the cylinder ii and is attached thereto. A piston 22 is mounted in the cylinder I23 and projects somewhat from the open end of the cylinder. A lever 23 is pivoted at 24 to the fixed connecting frame member lld oi the fixed portion of the device. One end 425 or this lever is rounded for engagement with the projecting end of the piston {22. The other end of the lever I23 is pivotally connected at 425 to a link iii, which in turn is connected to the housing 523 pivotally supported by the bottom closure plate H5.

A spring 139 is interposed between an off-set portion 13! of the housing 529 of the link l2! and a suitable shoulder 32 on the fixed frame HM. An additional spring I33 is interposed between the lever I23 and the fixed leg i513. The spring 33 tends to pivot the lever [23 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figures 7 and E3. The spring 35 acts through the link 12? against the pivot end 125 of the lever 123 to also tend to urge the lever 23 in a clockwise direction.

The bottom closure plate H5 is provided with a pair of spaced downwardly extending projections [34 and I35 which act to support vertically extending guide blocks (36 and l3l. hese guide blocks (35 and i3? are arranged in surface contact with previously described guide blocks R85 and ltd and act rinaily to close the grooves It? and 129. In other words, when the guide blocks are in the position shown in Figure '7 of the drawings, the grooves i5"? and 589 are closed so as to form a tubular conduit through which the wire may extend. The guide blocks described extend from a point closely a jacent to the wire cutting die 9? to a point adjacent to the suriaoe of the panel B which passes beneath the wire insorting device. Therefore the wire is uided through a substantially continuous closed passage which starts just below the wire driving rollers 8? and G9 to the surface of the panel B. As the wire is driven downwardly by the rollers Stand his and is held in vertical position it can not buckle or bend intermediate its ends. the panels B are usually formed of insulating material which is fibrous in nature and not extremely hard, the wires are driven straight through the insulating material to project a suitable distance therebetween.

This wire driving operation takes place as has been described when the apparatus is in the position illustrated in Figure "7 of the drawings. After the wire has been inserted to the proper depth the wire is out off by means of the wire ie illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings. In accomplishing this wire cutting operation the entiremovable portion of the wire inserting. apparatusmoveslaterally iromthe posii the 8 tion shownin Figure 7 of'the drawings to the position shown in Figure 8 thereof.

'To accomplish the wire cutting operation the piston {22 is moved in its cylinder Hill in a direction to pivot the lever 323 in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Figures 7 and 8. As the piston 122 pivots the lever i233 the lever acts through the pivotal connection 123, the link I27 and the pivotal connection I29 to slide the entire movable portion of the apparatus along the superimposed shafts Ill and H2. This conipresses the springs 238 and :33 and acts to move the guide blocks 3d and i3? laterally so as to open the forward ends of the grooves 587 and H39. When the movable portion of the apparatus reaches the position shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, it will be noted that the grooves 10'] and I99 are no longer enclosed by the movable blocks [Stand 53? and the wires may be moved in the direction of the arrows in Figure 8 of the drawings in further advancing the panel At the same time the wire cutting die 9?, forming a part of the movable portion of the apparatus, is moved laterally with respect to the fixed blocks and lot so that the opening 99 through the die moves out of registry with the grooves it: and 5 3 3. This lateral movement of the wire cutting die shears the wire off along the top of the guide block ltd so that the portion of the wire inserted through the panel is free and separate.

It will be noted that the grooves it? and 569 are arranged to open forwardly when the movable portion oi the device is moved into the position shown in Figure 8 so that upon forward movement of thepanel B the wires are free to leave the slots it? and and to travel forwardly with the panel.

From this explanation the operation of the wire driving apparatus is believed obvious. The wires are first driven downwardly through the panel by the driving rollers El and G9 which force the lower ends of the wires through the panel so that they depend a suitable distance beneath the panel. After the wires have been driven to the proper depth they are sheared oil" at a point spaced above the panel in the manner described. As the wires are sheared ofi the forward sides of the guide grooves through which the wires extend are opened so that'the wires may leave the grooves and move forwardly with the panel. The pressure is then relieved within the cylinder I20 so that the Springs 13$) and $33 may pivot the lever I23 to its normal inoperative position, thus returning the movable portion of the wire insertin apparatus into readiness for the next wire inserting operation and aligning the grooves It? and N39 with the respective die openings 99. Simultaneously the forward sides of the grooves Iii! and l 99 are closed by the movable guide blocks I36 and [31.

The wire crimping apparatus is shown in general in Figure 1 of the drawings and indicated by the numeral I39. The structure of this device is believed best illustrated inFigures 13 through 19 of the drawings. The device acts to engage the wire both above and below the panel B and to bend the wire so that it will become firmly anchored and embedded in the concrete building block as the block is molded.

The crimping device includes a hollow body Mil having detachable ends HH and 142 thereupon. The ends Il and M2 are hollow in form and are attached ,tothebody of the device by means of bolts or cap screws I43 and I44 respectively.

The body I40 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot I45 extending therethrough through which the panel B may extend. The angular tracks II are also shown extending through the body, these tracks serving to support the crimping device. The body I40 is also provided with two relatively wide vertically extending slots I46 and I47 through which the inserted wires may extend. The slots I46 and I47 are the full height of the inserted wires so that the wires may pass through the block without interference. A pair of stationary forming dies I49 and I50 are secured to the block body I40 inwardly of the slots I46 and I47 above the level of panel B. The dies I49 and I50 are anchored to the inner opposed walls of these slots I46 and I47 by cap screws II or other suitable means. A similar pair of fixed forming dies I52 and I 53 are secured to the inner opposed walls of the slots I46 and I47 below the level of the panel B. These lower forming dies are held in place by cap screws I54 or other suitable means. The formation of these dies is best illustrated in Figure 18 of the drawings. It will be noted that the body of the die is provided with two spaced grooves I55 and I56 separated by an outwardly projecting rounded rib I57. Rounded ribs I59 and I60 are provided along the upper and lower edges of the die. The entrance end of each of the dies is tapered as indicated at I6I so as to guide the wires into place.

A pair of cooperable movable dies I62 and I63 are supported for movement toward and away from the fixed dies I49 and I50. The movable die I62 is mounted upon a rectangular plunger I64 which is reciprocable in a cylinder I65 between the slot I46 and one end of the body I40. The die I63 is mounted upon a rectangular plunger I66 which is slidable in a cylinder I67 between the slot or groove I47 and the opposite end of the body I40.

A movable die I69 is designed to cooperate with a fixed die I52 and to move toward or away therefrom. The movable die I69 is mounted upon a rectangular plunger I70 which is reciprocable in a cylinder I7I extending between the slot I46 and the adjacent end of the body I40. A fourth movable die I72 is mounted for movement toward or away from the fixed die I53 and is mounted upon the rectangular plunger I73 slidable in a cylinder I74 extending between the slot I47 and the adjacent end of the body. The plungers I64 and I66 are preferably aligned and the plungers I70 and I73 are also preferably aligned.

As shown in Figures to 17 of the drawings the movable dies are provided with a pair of rounded projecting ribs I75 and I76 having a groove or channel I77 therebetween. The leading edge of each die is tapered as indicated at I79 so as to guide the wires between the dies. The fixed dies I49, I50, I52 and I53 are provided with extensions I58 having continuations of the rib I59 thereupon. These continuations I58 diverge outwardly slightly and tend to bend the crimped wires slightly on either side of the boards as the boards advance. A cross head I80 is provided with apertures I9I and I82 for accommodation of the projectiong ends of the plungers I 64 and I70. Pins I83 and I84 extend through the plungers and outwardly of the cross head I80. Springs I85 are interposed between the body and the cross head I80. As a result the springs I85 tend to normally retract the plungers I64 and I70 and to urge the movable dies I62 and I69 away from the'cooperable fixed dies I49 and I52. A similar cross head I86 is provided with apertures I87 and I89 for accommodation of the projecting ends of the plungers I66 and I73. Pins I90 and I9I extend through the plungers I 66 and I73 outwardly of the cross head. Springs I92 are interposed between the cross head and the body I40. These springs normally tend to retract the plungers. I66 and I73 and to urge the movable dies I63 and I72 away from the corresponding fixed dies I50 and I53.

It will be noted that upon the application of hydraulic pressure into the hollow ends MI and I42 of the crimping apparatus the plungers I64 and I66, I70 and I73 are urged inwardly, the respeotive movable dies bracing the wires against the corresponding fixed dies and crimping the ends of the wire. As a result the wires are given two or more reverse bends both above and below the panel B so that the wires can not be pulled from the panel without destroying the panel and so that opposite ends of the wires may be embedded in the concrete on opposite sides of the insulating panel so as to reinforce the block and to prevent the block from splitting through the insulation panel.

After the wires have been crimped, the hydraulic pressure is released and the springs I85 and I92 act to return the movable dies into their outer extreme position. As the fixed dies extend longitudinally of the apparatus and parallel to the direction of motion of the panels, the panel B may be advanced after the wires are crimped to place a new pair of wires between the crimping dies.

In the construction described the panels B are advanced forwardly into four different positions by the panel feeding element 26, hereinbefore described, and at each of the positions, a pair of wires are inserted through the panel so as to extend above and below the same. Thus as shown in Figure 12 of the drawings, there are four pairs of reinforcing wires extending through the panel. As the panel is advanced each successive pair of wires is urged between the crimping dies which act to bend the projecting end of the wire into the form illustrated in Figure 12 of the drawings. Obviously the apparatus may be arranged to insert a greater or lesser number of wires than that illustrated.

The hydraulic control system, by means of which the various portions of the apparatus is controlled, is best illustrated in Figure 20 of the drawings. This view shows the various portions of the device diagrammatically. In this figure I disclose a motor or other source of power supply I93 which acts to operate the hydraulic pump I94. The pump I94 is provided with an inlet I95 which extends into a hydraulic liquid tank I96 and receives hydraulic fluid therefrom. The pressure outlet of the pump I 94 is indicated at I97 and extends to a reversing valve I99 which is shown as submerged in the tank I96. The valve I99 includes two cylinders 200 and 20I. The cylinder 200 is provided with a three lobe piston valve 202 which is operable between two extreme positions. A piston rod 203 is connected to the valve 202 and is equipped with an operating yoke 204. The yoke 204 is movable between two extreme positions by an operating pin 205 on one arm of a bell crank lever 206. One arm 207 of the bell crank lever 206 is connected by a resilient spring or'link 209 to the plunger 2I0 of a solenoid 2I I. The bell crank lever is pivotally supported to a fixed casing at 2| 2. The other arm H3" of the 'bell crank lever 286' is pivotally connectedat 2I4' to a push rod 215 which is slidably' supported in a pivotal bracket 2 I 6. A spring 2H is interposed between the bracket 2 I 5 and the pivotal connection 214, while a second relatively weak cushioning spring 2I9 is provided between the bracket 2I6 and the extremity of the push rod'2-I5. The push rod and its spring 2II is arranged to hold the bell crank lever 206 in either extreme position.

In one position of the piston valve 262 the pressure inlet port 220 is connected to a connecting port 22I leading to the cylinder 22!. The cylinder 2M is equipped with a loosely fit piston 222 connected by a piston rod 223 to the pivotal connection 2 I4 between the bell crank lever 2536 and the push rod 2-H. The cylinder 2% is provided with an outlet conduit 224 leading to a valve 225. The valve 225 is provided with a cylinder 22B having a three lobed piston 22! therein. This piston 22? is normally biased to the right as indicated in Figure 20 by a spring 229.

The inlet pressure-port 23E! of the valve 225 is normally connected to an outlet conduit 23! leading to the extremity of the cylinder I20 of the wire driving unit 53. The inlet end of the cvlind er I20 is also connected toan outlet port 232 communicating with the conduit 233. The conduit 233 is connected through a check valve 234 to a conduit 235" leading to the inlet port 236 of the cylinder 33. The check valve 234 is also connected by conduits 231 and 2-39 to a point between the center lobe and right hand lobe of the valve piston 221. The check valve 234 is likewise connected by conduits 231 and 24!"; to a point between the center lobe and right hand lobe of the valve plunger 202.

The cylinder 33 is provided with an outlet port 2'4l intermediate its ends connected by a con duit 242 to an inlet port 243 of the valve 225. When pressure is exerted through the conduit 2 42' the piston valve 221 is moved to the left compressing the spring 229'and forming a pressure connection between the center lobe and the righthand piston lobe'to the conduit 239. Simultaneousl'y the conduit 23I is connected to an exhaust'port 244. A second outlet port 245 is provided near the right hand end of the cylinder 33 which is connected by a conduit 246 and 241 to the uper extremitv of the cylinder 84. An outlet port 249 is provided near the lower end of the cylinder 84. which is uncovered when the piston 8.6;lias travelled into extreme position. The outlet port 249'- is connected by a pressure conduit 2.50to passages 251* and 252 in the erimper bodv I40: These passa es 95I and 252'lead to the hollow-heads MI and I 42 and are designed to urge the plunger-s I54, I10, I66 and I13, carrying the movable wire crimping dies inwardly to crimp ire therebetween.

The outlet port 245 of the cylinder 33 is also connected by conduits 246 and 253 to a valve 254. This valve 254 is mounted above the path of movement of the panels B and includes a two lobed piston 255 projecting through the lower end of the valve casing and provided with a roller 256iengageab1e with the panels B. When there is no panel beneath the piston 255 the piston valve 255: is urged into lowered position by a biasing spring 256. When a panel B is positioned beneath the plunger 255' this plunger is held in elevated position.

A. pressure inlet port 251 is provided in the valvewhichis normally closed by the lower lobe of the-plunger piston 255. However, in lowered 12 position of this valve the inlet port 251 is connected to the outlet port 259 connected to a conduit 28$.

The conduit 26!! extends to the lower end of a hydraulic cylinder 26I having a piston 2E2 therein. This piston 252 is engageable against the arm 24 of the bell crank lever 2| and a hook end 22 which engages beneath. the lowermost panel in the hopper I5.

A normally open micro switch 263 is mounted on the frame of the apparatus in the path of movement of the cylinder 33. When the cylinder 33 moves toits extreme right hand position, as viewed in the drawings, the micro switch is closed so as to close a circuit. A second micro switch 264 isarranged in the path of movement'of the panels upon the track I I. When the track is filled with panels B; the normally closed micro switch 264 i'sarranged to open and break the circuit.

The circuit described is designed to energize the solenoid 25 E. The normally open switch 2% and normally closed switch 255 are arranged in series between the source of current and the solenoid 2! I. When the cylinder 33 is fully retracted the switch 253 is closed to close a circuit to the solenoid 2H. This circuit will be closed each time the cylinder 33 reciprocates until the panels fill the available space on the track II. At this time the micro-switch 264 will open the circuit and the circuit willremain open untilsoine-of the boards are removed from the track whereupon the operation will continue.

The operation of the device is normally controlled by the presence or absence of insulation panels on the outlet guide rails, as will be later described. During the normal cycle of opera tion, the previously driven Wires are first sheared olT. Next the board is advanced by movement of cylinder 33. During this movement the shearing means is returned to startin position. When the advancement of the board is'complete, the wire driving apparatus forces new wires through the board. After insertion the wires are crimped. The wire driving mechanism and the crimping device are next returned to starting position. The cylinder 33 also returns to starting position for a new cycle. Whenever no board is positioned below the valve 254, the board release mechanism operates to release another board fromthe hopper.

The operation of the various units of my apparatus have been described in conjunction with the devices themselves. The apparatus is automatic as'long as the panels 13 and the wire for insertion therethrough are supplied. When the cylinder 33 is moved to its extreme right hand position the microswitch 263 is closed, closing the described circuit to the solenoid 2H. The solenoid core 21a is drawn upwardly pivoting the bell crank lever 235 in a clockwise position into the position illustrated in Figure 20 of the drawings. Fluid under pressure from the pump I9 1 then passes through the conduit I9? into the valve cylinder 261] in the space between the left hand lobe and the center lobe of the valve plunger. With the plunger in the position shown the fluid under pressure extends through the port 22i into the cylinder 2M and through the conduit 224 to the center portion of the valve 225. As the valve plunger 22"! is normally biased to the right the fluid passes through the conduit 23I into the end of the cylinder 52!). The piston I22 is moved in the cylinder I20 pivoting the lever I23 ina manner to shear ofi the wire which has been previously inserted and to move the guide blocks I36 and I31 from the position illustrated in Figure 7 to the position shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, thus allowing the inserted wires to be moved out of the grooves 101 and I09. As the piston I22 reaches its extreme position, fluid is transmitted through the conduit 233 past the check valve 234 and through the conduit 23%; to the left hand end of the cylinder 33. This fluid acts against the relatively fixed piston 36 to move the cylinder 33 to the left, thereby acting to advance a panel B along the track I I in the manner previously described.

As the cylinder 33 moves to the left the outlet port 2M is uncovered by the piston 36 and the fluid under pressure passes through the fluid line 242 to the right hand end of the valve plunger 22?. This fluid acts to compress the spring 229 and move the plunger 22? to the left. This action cuts off the pressure to the conduit 23I and the conduit 23! is connected to the exhaust pressure line 246 through the valve 225, thereby releasing the pressure upon the piston I22 and allowin the springs I35 and I33 to return the piston I22 to its normal position. Simultaneously fluid under pressure is transmitted between the center lobe of the valve piston 22'! and the right hand lobe thereof to the conduit 233 which transmits pressure to conduits 23l and 235 to the left hand end of the cylinder 33 to continue the movement of the cylinder relative to the piston 36. The check valve 234 closes to prevent the return of pressure into the cylinder I20.

When the cylinder 33 reaches its extreme left hand position the outlet port 2 36 is opened and fluid under pressure is transmitted through conduits 246 and 24'! to the top of the cylinder 36. This action urges the piston 86 downwardly, thus acting to drive a new pair of wires through the panel B located therebeneath. When the piston 86 reaches its lowest position, fluid is also transmitted through the connection 253 to the ends of the crimping apparatus, thus urging the movable dies against the wire and crimping the wires above and below the panel.

At the same time pressure is supplied to the cylinder M pressure is also supplied through the conduit 253 to the valve 256. If there is no panel B beneath the roller 256, the plunger 255 has dropped and pressure will be exerted through the connection 266 to the lower end of the cylinder 26L This pressure urges the piston 262 upward- 1y, pivoting the bell crank lever 2| and releasing the next lowest panel B from the hopper I5. If there is a panel beneath the roller 256 the valve 25!; remains closed.

When the cylinder 33 reaches its extreme right hand position there is no further outlet for the hydraulic fluid in the system. Accordingly pressure builds up within cylinder 33, fluid lines 235 and 23?, the center part of cylinder 225, fluid line 224, and the cylinder 2M until suflicient pressure is provided to urge the piston 223 to the left against the spring pressure. In doing so, fluid under pressure flows past the loosely fit piston 222, and exerts its force against the larger area of the piston end. This action actuates the bell crank lever 206 into its opposite extreme position, changing the position of the reversing valve plunger 202.

When the position of the valve 262 is reversed the valve lunger 202 moves to the left uncovering a second outlet port 265 connected to a pressure conduit 266. This conduit is connected by a by-pass connection 26! to a low pressure valve 269 which is connected to the tank I96. As a 14 result the pressure which is exerted in the conduit 266 is substantially less than the pressure which is exerted through the previously described pressure conduits. The conduit 266 is connected to the closed interior of the casing II4 containing the rack 81 for the various gears described. The pressure conduit 266 urges the piston 86 to its upper extreme position. The pressure within the conduit 266 is also exerted through the conduit 250 to both ends of the crimping device I39.

However, the reduced pressure is insufficient to hold the plungers I64, I66, I10 and H3 inwardly and the springs are of sufficient strength to return these plungers to their outer positions so that the crimping dies will move to inoperative position.

During this position of the valves, the left hand end of the cylinder 33 is connected to exhaust pressure. This connection extends through the conduits 235, 231, 266, the cylinder 236 connecting the port 22I, cylinder 2M, and connecting the port 210 leading through the wall of the cylinder 2OI to the right hand side of the valve plunger 262 which is open to the liquid tank when this plunger 202 is moved to the left from the position shown in Figures 20 and 24. As a result the cylinder 33 is returned to its extreme left hand position by means of the springs 29 and 30. As the cylinder 33 reaches its extreme right hand position, the micro-switch 253 is again actuated closing the circuit to the solenoid 2H and pivoting the bell crank lever 206 in a clockwise direction. This again starts a cycle of operation which continues until the space on the panel track I I is filled with unused panels. A pressure relief valve 2'II is provided as a by-pass from the pump outlet I37. This relief valve normally does not function unless some part of the system does not operate properly.

Each of the various devices are connected by exhaust pressure return lines to prevent the building up of pressure on the wrong side of the pistons. It will be noted that one such return line 272 extends through the crimper head I 56 near the ends of the plungers :64 and I III to return any liquid reaching this point to the tank I96. A similar return line 213 is connected to encircle the plungers I66 and I13. The return lines 212 and 213 join to form a return conduit 214 which leads into the tank I96.

Return lines 215 and 216 also encircle the piston plunger 255 and join to form a conduit 2' connected to the return line 274. The conduit 216 is connected with a groove encircling the plunger 255 below the pressure inlet port 251 while the connection 215 is normally connected through the piston with the conduit 26!! leading to the cylinder 26I so that this cylinder 26! may be evacuated when pressure is not being applied thereto. A conduit 219 also encircles the piston 262 to prevent leakage of fluid thereabout.

Another exhaust pressure connection extends from the right hand end of the cylinder 33 to the return pressure line, this conduit being indicated by the numeral 280.

It will be seen that my device functions to remove superimposed panels from a hopper, to ad- Vance the panels along a track in spaced steps, to drive a pair of wires through the panel at spaced intervals between the steps of movement, to shear off the inserted wire, and to crimp the wires on both sides of the panel. My device reverses automaticallly at the end of each cycle of operation and continues until the current to the supply motor I93 is cut on or until the track I I I. hasibeen filled with a proper'supply of-formed panels: As soon as some of the panels are removedfrom the track H, the system again starts into operation.

In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my apparatus for forming building block insulating members, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiments thereof, I desire to have it understood that these are only illustrative thereof, and that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A wire driving apparatus for driving wire through a panel, the apparatus includin a panel support, a wire guide mounted adjacent said support, said guide member having an open sided groove therein, a relatively movably mounted means for closing the open side of said groove in one position thereof, wire driving means for moving a wire longitudinally through the groove while the open side thereof is closed, and means for moving said open side closin means to open said groove.

2. The structure described in claim 1 and including a wire shearing means supported adjacent to said wire driving means.

3; The construction described in claim 1 and including a tubular member mounted adjacent to said wire drivin means through which the wire extends between said wire driving means and said open sided groove.

4. A wire driving device for driving a wire through a panel, the device including a panel support, a movably mounted guide mounted adjacent said panel support, said guide having a groove therein extending toward said panel support, a means for closing the open side of said groove in one position of said guide, said guide being laterally movable relative to said groove closing means to selectively close the groove or expose the same, a second wire guide supported adjacent to said first named guide and registeri able with said groove in closed position thereof, and means for driving the wire through said guides.

5. The structure described in claim 4 and including a shearing die mounted between said groove and said second guide.

6. A panel advancing device for advancing a panel along a track, the device including a panel hopper, a reciprocable means positioned beneath said hopper, a track beneath said hopper on which the lowermost panel of the hopper is supported, a series of panel engaging means on said reciprocable means, said panel engaging means successively engaging an edge of the panel upon continued reciprocation of said reciprocating means to advance the panel in steps from beneath said hopper.

7. The structure described in claim 6 in which the means engageable with the panel edge are spring urged against the panel.

8. A panel advancing means for advancing panels along a track, the means including a hopper mounted above the track for supporting a series or superimposed panels, the lowermost panel in the hopper resting upon the track, a reciprocating device supported beneath said track, means for reciprocating said device longitudinally of said track, and a series of longitudinally spaced dogs on said device successively engageable with therear most edge of the panel supported upon 16 the track, reciprocation of said device successively engaging said dogs with the rear most edge of the panel to advance the panel in steps from beheath said hopper.

9. A construction described in claim 8 and including releasable means for supporting the rear edge of the panel next above the lowermost panel.

10. A wire crimping device including a pair of parallel fixed dies, a track slidably supporting a panel for movement past said dies, a wire inserted through the panel, and movable past said dies, and cooperable dies movable toward said fixed dies for crimping the wire on opposite sides of said panel.

11. The structure described in claim 10 and includinghydraulic means for moving said movable dies.

12. The structure described in claim 10 and including hydraulic means for moving said movable dies in one direction and resilient means for urging said movable die in the opposite direction.

13. A wire crimping device for crimping wires inserted through a panel, the device including a track along which said panel is movable, a fixed die extending along the path of movement of the wires on both sides of the panel, and movably supported dies cooperable with said fixed dies to crimp the wire on both sides of the panel, and means for moving said movable dies.

14. A device for crimping pairs of wires inserted through a panel including a means for supporting the panel for movement, a fixed die extending along the path of movement of each of the wires on one side thereof, and movable dies extending along the path of movement of the wire on the opposite side thereof, and means for moving the movable dies against the wire to force the same against the fixed dies.

15. A hydraulically operable apparatus for inserting Wires through panels, the apparatus including a reciprocable cylinder, hydraulically operable means for reciprocating the cylinder, means connected to the cylinder for advancing a panel as the cylinder reciprocates, a wire driving apparatus, hydraulic means for operating said wire driving apparatus, a wire crimping apparatus, hydraulic means for operating said crimping apparatus, a wire shearing device, and hydraulic valve means for actuating said cylindrical wire driving apparatus, crimping apparatus and shearing device in predetermined sequence.

16. An apparatus for inserting reinforcing wires through a panel, the apparatus including a panel support, reciprocating means for moving the panel along said support, said panel moving during movement of the reciprocating means in one direction and remaining stationary during movement of the reciprocating means in the opposite direction, and means for inserting a wire rod through the panel, the wire driving means including means enclosing the wire during the wire driving operation and opens during advancement of the panel.

17. A wire driving apparatus including a pair of rollers between which the wire extends, means rotatably supporting said rollers in position to engage opposite sides of the wire, means for rotating said rollers for driving said wire, means supported adjacent to said rollers including an open sided groove through which said wire extends during movement thereof, means relatively movably supported adjacent to said last named means for closingthe open side of said groove during longitudinal driving movement of the wire, and means for moving said groove closing means into and out of groove closing position.

18. A wire driving apparatus for driving a wire through a panel, the apparatus including a pair of wire driving rollers between which the wire extends, means rotatably supporting said rollers in position to engage opposite sides of the wire, a guide member mounted adjacent to said rollers, said guide member having an open sided groove therein, relatively movably mounted means for closing the open side of said groove during driving movement of the wire by said guide rollers, and means for moving said groove closing means after the wire driving operation.

19. A wire driving apparatus for driving a wire rod through a panel, the drive means including a pair of drive rollers, a guide through which the wire is driven, a panel support, a second guide between the first guide and a panel on said support movable into or out of alignment with said first guide, movement of said second guide relative to said first guide shearing the wire therebetween, the second guide including an open sided groove in said second guide, and means closing the open side of said groove when said groove is aligned with the first guide and opening the groove when the second guide is moved out of alignment with the first guide.

20. An apparatus for inserting reinforcing Wires through a panel, the apparatus including means for moving the panel at spaced intervals with reference to a fixed point, and means for inserting a wire rod through the panel during periods when said panel is not moving, said inserting means including means having an open side for partially embracing the wire, and relatively movable means for closing said open side of said embracing means during the wire driving operation and moving out of closing position during movement of the panel.

21. An apparatus for inserting reinforcing wires through a panel, the apparatus including a panel support, means for moving the panel along said support at spaced intervals, and means for inserting a wire rod through the panel during periods when said panel is stationary, said inserting means including guide means for the wire provided with an opening adjacent one side and means for at least partially closing said opening during the wire driving operation, said closing means being open during the advancement of the panel.

22. An apparatus for inserting reinforcing wire through a panel, the apparatus including a panel support, reciprocating means for moving the panel along said support, said panel moving during movement of the reciprocating means in one direction and remaining stationary during movement of the reciprocating means in the opposite direction, and means for inserting a wire rod through the panel, said inserting means including means for embracing a segment of the wire and means confronting said embracing means-only during the wire driving operation.

23. A wire driving apparatus for driving a wire rod through a panel, the drive means including a pair of drive rollers, a guide through which the Wire is driven, a panel support, a second guide between the first guide and the support movable into or out of alignment with said first ,guide, movement of said second guide relative to said first, guide shearing the wire therebetween, said second guide being spaced from the panel support for the accommodation of a panel and also being provided with a side opening, and means for at least partially obstructing said side opening when said second guide is aligned with the first guide and freeing said opening sufficiently for separation of the wire from said second guide when the second guide is moved out of alignment with the first guide.

24. A device for inserting a wire through a panel including a panel supporting means, panel advancing means for advancing a panel on said supporting means, wire driving means mounted adjacent to the path of movement of the panel, means for guiding a wire through said panel to extend therethrough at substantially right angles thereto, means for shearing oh the wire at a point spaced from the panel, said panel advancing means moving the panel with the wire projecting right angularly therefrom, and means for crimping the wire at points spaced from the panel.

25. The structure described in claim 24 and in which the crimping means engages the wire at points spaced from the panel.

26. The structure described in claim 24 and in which the crimping means engages the wire at points spaced from the panel and bends the wire angularly while still extending substantially normal to the panel.

JOHN T. GONDEK.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 215,505 Carr et a1 May 20, 1879 622,661 Boss Apr. 11, 1899 626,999 Huber June 13, 1899 904,503 Billingsley Nov. 24, 1908 1,504,891 Hill Aug. 12, 1924 2,285,380 De Bella et al June 2, 1942 2,334,715 Lawson Nov. 23, 1943 2,504,987 Krach et a1 Apr. 25, 1950 

